The North Korean defector who continues to defy regime – live Q&A as it happened

Park Yeon-mi has become an outspoken critic of the country she escaped at 13. She’s agreed to join us live today from 1-2pm (GMT) to tell us more about her experiences

2.21pm GMT

It’s time to wrap up. Thank you to everyone for the questions. Apologies we couldn’t get to them all, but I think we covered most of the bases. Here’s a parting note from Park Yeon-mi:

When I was four years old, my mum told me not to even whisper. Even the birds and mice could hear me. Even in China I had to hide. My whole life I had to hide. I hid my opinions and could not express anything.

Everyone participating in this conversation have given me a platform to express my voice. Thank you for listening and giving me this opportunity. I hope we can have more of these conversations.

2.13pm GMT

What would you say is the one aspect of life in North Korea that you think foreigners from outside the country don’t know about or understand, even if they read about North Korea a lot?

As a North Korean myself, I can’t even describe it honestly to you, so how can we expect the media to give the whole picture? The day North Korea opens their door and lets people free, we will understand them fully. Hopefully it won’t be too late for them.